Kia ora, my name is Toni McFelin, and currently I am pursuing postgraduate study to qualify as a speech-language therapist. On receiving the Susan Byrne Memorial Award, I felt buoyed up with fresh energy and encouragement for the journey ahead, and I am so thankful for this support. Returning to postgraduate study later in life, while also parenting a teenage son, has required adaptability and resilience but aligns with my strong motivation to develop skills and knowledge in the field of speech and language therapy.
After finishing high school, my interests in cognition and psychology led me to complete a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. I went on to train as a teacher and worked in early childhood education, support work, and aged-care recreation. Through these roles, I experienced how supporting communication is at the heart of learning, identity, and wellbeing — and this drew me to speech-language therapy as the place where my background, interests, and values could come together.
Speech-language Therapists walk alongside people of all ages at pivotal moments in their lives — from children developing speech and language, to adults adjusting to communication challenges following illness or injury. Through the Master of Speech and Language Pathology programme at the University of Canterbury, I am developing the ability to apply evidence-based practice and clinical expertise to make a tangible difference in people’s everyday quality of life. The Susan Byrne Memorial Award has made it possible for me to pursue this path with greater focus and confidence. Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to a profession that helps people participate fully in life by strengthening their ability to communicate, connect, and thrive.